FOLLOW MY STEPS

      

A couple had been asked by their preacher to host a visiting minister for lunch. They obliged and put together a very special meal for the guest preacher. When they all sat down to eat, their little boy immediately reached for the mashed potatoes. But, his mother gently stopped his hand and bowed her head in hopes he would follow her example. The boy looked around and saw that everyone was bowing his head and closing their eyes. Just as his father was about to say the blessing, the little boy belted out, “Hey Dad, can I be the one who talks to the plate?”

Paul encouraged the Philippians to follow “my example...and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do (Phil. 3:17). the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you" (Phil. 4:9). Paul could say not only, “Listen to my words,” but also, “Follow my example.” 

Luke a devoted companion of Paul (Col 4:14, 2 Tim. 4:11) wrote the book of Acts. His opening statement is “in my former book, Theophilus I wrote about all Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven (Acts 1:1-2). Doing preceded teaching. That is what Luke observed in the life of Jesus, Paul followed his masters example and now he is telling his followers to follow him as he follows Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

Paul emphasized this “show and tell” approach to discipleship in his ministry. His goal was to help his followers to know Christ and to become like Him. That could not be accomplished merely by teaching the principles of Christianity theoretically. Rather, he must be willing not only to tell them how but also to show them how. What example did Jesus set?

Jesus was meek and lowly (Matt. 11:29). In Isaiah 42:1-3 God says “Behold! (set focus on) my servant whom I uphold... in whom my soul delights. What will they see? “He will not cry out, nor raise His voice... A bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax he will extinguish; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he has established justice in the earth; (vv. 2-3).

He will handle bruised reeds (heartbroken, crushed, on the verge of giving up) so gently that he will not break them. He will not extinguish smoking flax whose flames are near extinction. Instead he will fan it until it’s in full flame again. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power (John 13:3). Yet, he chose the path of love and gentleness. And, he did not fail to accomplish his mission on earth.

Jesus lived a life of sacrificial and unconditional love towards people. He served and gave his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). He reached out to people that others shunned (the poor, the lepers, the tax-collectors, the demon-possessed, the prostitutes) and transformed their lives.

Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (John 13:1). His last demonstration of love was washing his disciple’s feet (John 13:12-17).  He told them ^“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet . I have set you an example ". Jesus taught that loving God and man is the greatest commandment (Matt.22:36-40) and the very badge that would identify his disciples (John 13:34-35). 

Jesus did not own many material things when he was on earth. He had no home (Matt 8:20). He often borrowed the things he needed.  He borrowed Peter’s boat (Luke 5:1-11), a coin (Matthew 22:19), a donkey (Luke 19:28-40), a room for the Last Supper (Mark 14:13-15) and his tomb (Matt. 27:57-60). When he died, the only item he possessed of real value was his robe (John 19:24). Jesus knew he had come from God and would soon return to God (John 13:3)

Jesus was a man of prayer. He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). He prayed intensively before and during major events. He was prayed during his baptism (Luke 3:21). Before launching his ministry he prayed and fasted for 40 days and nights (Matt 4:1-2). Before choosing his 12 disciples he “spent the night praying” (Luke 6:12-16). Before his arrest he “went out as usual to pray on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-44). He prayed for his killers (Luke 23:34) and he died with a prayer on his lips (Luke 23:46).

Jesus “committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet. 2:21-23). His prayer for those that crucified Him was “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus told Peter  “even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them  (Luke 17:4).

Jesus commanded “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat  you . If you love those who love you , what credit is that to you? even sinners love those who love them...love your enemies... then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful , just as your father is merciful (Luke 6:27-36).

During his arrest, Peter cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant.  But Jesus told him, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him (Luke 22:50-51). Although Peter betrayed Jesus (John 18: 15-27) Jesus forgave and restored  him. The angel’s instructed the women “go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee” (Mark 16:7). Why did he single out Peter? He had a message for Peter-he was forgiven.

Jesus was a great teacher. He would explain difficult things in ways that made them easy to understand. He often used parables or stories, to teach important lessons. These parables were about everyday people and situations, so they were easily understood. Jesus taught people everywhere he met them. His life and lessons motivated people to follow Him wherever he went.

Paul told the believers at Corinth “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ...holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul did his best to follow the example set by Christ. He was not perfect yet but he was pressing on towards the goal of becoming like Christ. He told the Philippians “you have us as a model”( Phil. 3:17). A model is an excellent example that deserves to be imitated.

Paul believed that he received God’s mercy that he might be a model; thus his whole life, subsequent to his conversion, was dedicated to presenting to others an outline sketch of what a Christian should be. He also believed that God saved him in order that he might show by the example that what Jesus did for him, He can and will do for others. Paul did not only follow Christ, he also trained his followers to do so.

Paul proudly said to believers in Thessalonica, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord...you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia" (1Thess. 1:6-7). Here Paul shows the progression-Jesus set the example, Paul followed it and now the believers in Thessalonica are following his example. They have become a model and their influence has gone beyond their congregation; even beyond their region!

Peter exhorted the spiritual leaders "Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example (1 Peter.5:3). The writer of Hebrews echoes the importance of imitating godly examples. He says “remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith (Heb 13:7).

The most helpful source for spiritual growth, apart from studying the Bible, is reading the biographies of men of God. They show us in human form men who lived by faith, prayer and obedience to the Word. In them we see the word of God lived out, his promises fulfilled and the hope of life after death demonstrated. Think of the people that have set a good example for you. Now it's our turn.

Following Jesus' example isn't just about how it benefits us personally. If we do what is right in the eyes of God, we will not only be securing our own salvation; we will be setting the appropriate example for those around us. It's a blessing to inspire someone else to follow our example and then watch them put it into practice. People will be inspired to do what we say when they see us practice what we preach.

We can teach the right things but when we do the right thing we show that what we are saying is valid and we truly believe it. Let's be people who can say with confidence, 'do as I do'. To say that puts the spotlight on us. It's more comfortable to be obscure and hide in the shadows. But we are called to shine because people are watching us anyway.

Paul set a pattern of godly behavior and character that others saw and were inspired to follow. People need to see us model the character of Christ. Not that we'll do it perfectly, no one does, but we should strive to be the best imitator of Jesus we can be. Paul’s way of life agreed with what he taught. Does your way of life agree with what you say? Do your actions confirm what you believe?